Parker vise - What makes a Parker vise model number become suffixed with an A or B?
Will the answer be: Everything post-Union acquisition (1957), or it depends on the specific model?
On the Parker vises, what general statements can be made about the differences between variations that “triggers” when a specific model number goes from being casted or stamped (or badged or stickered)- with just a model number (e.g, 954 or 974 1/2) vs those later produced with the same model number but suffixed with an “A” or “B” (e.g., 954-B or 974 1/2-A?)
For purposes of this question, I’m only asking about the letters A and B.
As a newbie, I first thought “A” might have been introduced by Parker if and when they made a significant casting or significant design modification to a model (pre-Union acquisition.) And I thought “B” might have been introduced by Union as they began to manufacture their own parts post-acquisition (specifically for those late bodies stamped, PARKER VISE DIV - UNION MFG CO. New Britain)
Some have said [
link or
link ]that the suffix letters A&B were only introduced by Union post-acquisition.
Has is been determined (by you experienced) that the A suffix was not introduced until Union began to assemble the Parker vises — and the B was introduced after a significant casting or significant design change by Union?
As a novice, I’ve seen older casting changes, or to the spindle or handle, and of course the late variation changing the cast (horseshoe) spindle collar to the solid plate collar.
